3Peat: Perry's Political Problems

In 2000, Rick Perry found his silver lining. Luck was on his side as former Governor George W. Bush resigned for presidency, Perry crept his way into governorship. As former lieutenant governor, Perry thirsted for the spot as the supreme "figurehead" of Texas. Being the only governor elected to 3 full subsequent terms, Perry left behind a legacy. Though he has deeply asserted that he will not run for the upcoming governorship, Perry is doing everything in his nature to leave his sloppy trails behind.

Ideologically conservative Perry sought to create a reactionary, "religiously moral," pro-business state that would keep perpetuating the conservative Republican agenda. Figuratively speaking, Perry had the ability to streamline Texas politics from his trophy wife position as Governor. Furthermore, he cleverly utilized the little powers he did have as governor- line item vetos & setting the agenda for special sessions- to spit in the faces of public opinion and his own bureaucracy.

As Perry's tumultuous regime comes to an end, it is important to learn from our past mistakes: namely that of electing a superflous & self-interested character into public office. Understanding Perry's political agenda and how they shaped Texas policies is crucial to understanding exactly what NOT to do as a governor.

It all comes down to money. 
Perry claims his fiscal conservatism was responsible for Texas' job growth and stability. In recent theory, the idea that spending less is better  may make sense but IF and ONLY IF the resources are allocated efficiently. Perry is notorious for spending significantly less than the population increases in Texas thus inducing a surplus. BUT he is inconsistent in his fiscal conservatism, as he subsidies new business growth (taking away funds from the destitute to fund the power-hungry).

What is important to the well-being of a state? Is it saving money by cutting millions of dollars in much needed funding that ensures a well-fed, healthy, and skilled workforce? Or does it mean that the money saved should be allocated in subsidizing new business growth- business that would already come to Texas otherwise due to the lack of regulations and tax incentives already in place?

Public education, Women's Healthcare, Medicare, SNAP (food assistance programs) all suffer as they are underfunded but much needed.

For one blessing we can be certain: the end of Perry's regime is coming. 

Funding & Lies

According to conservative blogger David Jennings, there has been an apparent mix-up within the controversy over the clinics that will close due to HB 2. Jennings, merely a blogger and not a licensed physician, claims that Planned Parenthood went to extreme lengths to assert their claim that abortion clinics provide services other than abortions. Planned Parenthood went out to respond to this claim by addressing that due to funding procedures health centers share physical space with abortion clinics. So where does Jenning's logic lie in his desire to oust Planned Parenthood's apparent white lie?

Here's the reality: If an abortion clinic is forced to shut down due to lack of funding and it shares the same physical space as the Women's Health Center, then what makes it logical to think that the health center would remain open?

Texas Tea Party conservatives and Christian right-wing zealots have made the matter of funding both complicated and worse for Texas.

The history of the Texas female health program has been long skewed by Christian morals. On January 1st, Governor Perry decided to "revamp" the women's healthcare program by eliminating federal/state funding for Planned Parenthood clinics forcing approximately 100,000 low income women to find other doctors, often farther away and more expensive.

Did Jenning's forget to mention that these centers that were ALREADY closed down also provided cancer screenings, PAP smears, mandatory check-ups at affordable (sometimes even free of charge) to minority women? Where is the so-called lie in that?

The main flaw within Jenning's argument is that he simply does not have one. He asserts the "need for regulation" of abortion and blames the mixture of funds to Planned Parenthood, but never once holds conservatives responsible for the complexity of the healthcare issue. Texas has already tried to "regulate" abortions through this new Women's Health Program that only cut millions from funding while feigning to promote accessible and affordable care. Furthermore, with the passage of HB-2 causing more centers to close, Jenning's argument is that the health center will stay open? Furthermore, Jenning's statement is based on a lie. Abortion clinics provide cancer screenings.

It would seem that Jennings is actually a certified women's health care phyisican? Wrong. He is simply a blogger. Furthermore, those that are looking for actual information should avoid his blog as there seems to be a lack of evidence from credible sources.

If you aren't too busy laughing at the ignorance of this blogger, you should take a moment to read this
 "One other thing. Why do Texas Democrats, allegedly the party of diversity, continue to shill for a procedure in which 63% of the aborted babies are black and Hispanic? "


Jenning's decided it was credible to quote a Representative's twitter page.

So let me understand his logic, as a Democrat I should be against abortions because minority babies are supposedly being killed? Funny story. This matter could easily be flipped by asserting that the harsh regulations and eradication of much needed social welfare programs are more likely to put financial constraints of minority women. So would it be logical to blame conservatives for the abortions they cause?

The answer is no. The blame does not lie in either the Democrats or Republicans. It can be blamed on Christian fundamentalists that thirst to regulate policies to promote their own agenda.

The Texas State Capitol is not the proper area to proselytize.

"Civilized "in a Conservative Manner?

Our worst fears came true last Friday. Under the pressure of the Texas Conservative faction and pro-life special interest groups, HB 2 passed with flying colors. With a resume including an infamous filibuster and rallies almost everyday, HB 2 has stirred a buzz among the Texan community. Among the elated community lies conservative columnist Noemie Emery that argues about the importance of HB 2 to eliminate further murders (aka abortions)- citing the infamous Gosnell as a prime example of the apparent horrors of abortion clinics. In Emery's world, abortion clinics are all run like Gosnell's clinics. The Gosnell clinic constituted as a nasty, mismanaged, "murder-house" that no one justifies. 

    

 The Gosnell clinic is a prime example of the hardship that women face daily in regards to accessible care. Gosnell served a plethora of women in a state with harsh rules regarding abortions. He performed countless abortions using unsanitary tools and utilized preferential treatment of white women. What happened to the women under Gosnell's care is EXACTLY what happens when states push for extensive abortion regulations- women who are desperate for urgent care go to black market abortion clinics putting their health in major risk. Why is it that conservative members, like Emery, seem to forget disregard the fact that they are the ones that cause women to turn the black market out of desperation. It is strict abortion rules themselves that force the destitute and desperate to put their lives at risk under back-alley abortion clinics. 

It is a story we know all to well. 

Furthermore, Emery's harsh assertions are all based on ONE aspect of HB 2: the 20-week regulation. Contrary to popular belief, even "pro-choicers" realize that there should be a reasonable time limit  on when to get abortions. To most, a 20-week limit is reasonable. HB 2 constitutes more than a 20 week limit. There is one thing that needs to be quite understood: You can be Pro-Life and STILL be against HB 2. The consequences of HB 2 outweigh any benefit of setting a 20-week regulation. The forced closure of hospitals- leaving only 5 open in ALL OF TEXAS-will only create only leave women without access to care.

None of the consequences of the bill are addressed in Emery's "opinion article." She never once discusses the impact lack of accessible care will have on Texan women. Rather her focus is on semantics, regulations, and demeaning pro-choice advocates. 

With the passage of HB 2, the female voice has effectively been silenced. But I urge Texan women to fight for accessible care. Hospitals do not ONLY provide abortions, but also preventative care such as monograms. Let your voice not be silenced. 

"I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born, but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. That's not pro-life. That's PRO-BIRTH."

-Sister Joan Chittister 

To read Emery's full article go to: http://www.texasinsider.org/texas-brings-abortion-rules-in-line-with-civilized-world. 

#txlege Special Session: Addressing the Abortion Bill

On Tuesday July 9, audiences from all over Texas will be huddled in masses at the Texas Capitol to make sure their voices are heard in regards to the new, highly restrictive and controversial abortion bill. According to the Star-Telegram newspaper, this bill rises many issues unknown to the common voter.

Duly named SB 2, the new abortion bill premises on restricting abortions after 20 weeks. According to the Republican policymakers spear-heading the bill, the 20-week restriction is based on newfound science suggesting that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks.

Though inherently premised on a logical stance- eliminating fetal pain- the new abortion bill comes with a lot of other baggage. Most proponents of the bill, ranging from Republican members to strict pro-life groups, agree with the 20 week restriction but have failed to realize the complications this bill brings.

One of the biggest consequences of SB 2 is the fact that it sets extensive regulations on clinics. These extensive regulations include expansion of staff, supplies, and space: all which have a deadly cost.
Because hospitals have a limited amount of financial resources, the high costs associated with the new bill will force the closure of almost 37 clinics- making only 5 clinics available statewide to perform abortions. The statewide closure of these hospitals can mean devastating impacts to low-income & minority women who will now have a harder time to access abortion care at an accessible location and at an affordable cost. 

Unfortunately, the need for abortions will not be extinct with the passage of this bill. Rather women, especially minority and low-income women, will be put at an immense risk- a risk that could mean death. 


Not only is the article by Star-Telegram credible, it is filled with extensive knowledge on the bill. I highly recommend reading this article for further information on SB 2.

Who Am I?

I am a young, innovative thinker who yearns to empower the soft-spoken voices trampled by Big Texas politicking. I do not identify with any party. My thoughts, inclinations, perceptions cannot simply be explained by Red or Blue. Rather, I am white: The lack of color. 

I am a current graduate of UT Austin, where I was blessed to specialize in Corporate Communications, Business and Arabic. Within the policy arena, i have had a myriad of experiences including campaign work for both a US president and a Texas House Representative, along with polling experience and legislative work.

My blog is aimed at informing, enraging, and ultimately inspiring. 

I am tired of adult politicians denying the youth their voice. I am tired of being suppressed. I am tired of the creation of policies that do not reflect Texas constituents. I want more than change, I want a revolution. 

How many of you are willing to join the fight?

Just Trading Slaves

 According to an article posted by longtime news media site, "The Huffington Post," some very exiting changes are brewing for all students blessed to be a part of the Texas Public Education system.

Among one of the very few new and exciting editions to the infamous Texas curriculum is the subversion of history.

The ingenious idea of three-term Texas Education board member Charlie Shuster postulates changing the terminology of slavery in history books. Ultimately, they aim to change the "slave trade" to the "Atlantic triangular trade" in all history textbooks of k-12. This may seem like a subtle semnatic argument, but this has grounds to spur further ignorance and ultimate denial of the dark past that once haunted our lovely Texas acres.

Thank you Texas, for taking the nation back 50 years of blood, sweat, and tears.

How much longer will right-wing tea party extremists be allowed to change history in their favor?

Texas has had an unfortunate past in changing textbooks to reflect bias ideology.

I was under the obviously stupid impression that textbooks were created to reflect history and facts, not opinions.

Ultimately this is for certain: The Texas public education system allows for the destruction of truth and the imposition of bias.

Related Articles:

How Texas School Board tried to pretend slavery did not exist...

Texas education standards spark debate on slavery & politics